Edge of the World’s first ever ‘Decorate Our Tree Draw’ Christmas ornament contest wrapped up Monday (Dec. 20) after lots of participation from the community.
The ‘do-it-yourself’ project for all ages was hosted at the store to get into the holiday spirit and spread cheer, said the shop’s bookkeeper, Michelle Nelson.
The contest, started by Nelson, involved participants making a “one of a kind” ornament to hang on the Christmas tree at Edge of the World. Creations had to be handmade and able to hang from a branch. Those who submitted ornaments were entered into a prize draw. There were two grand stocking prizes, one for a 12-and-under winner, and another for a 13-and-over winner.
The victors were drawn Tuesday morning. The 12-and-under winner was Noel Mclean, 10 years old. The 13-and-over winner was Anik Watts, 23 years old.
“We wanted to give everyone equal opportunity to win, so instead of judging the ornaments we did a draw for the prizes. We wanted to reward the effort that the two year old put in as well as the 40 year old,” Nelson said.
Ornament creators had from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20 “to design, construct, and hang their masterpieces” on the Christmas tree. The idea was sparked last year when Nelson’s young daughter, Atley, was helping her decorate the store’s tree, and wanted to make ornaments for it. A light went off in Nelson’s head, and she thought that if her daughter loves making ornaments, other people would, too - and so they did, with 50 entries.
“We love doing fun contests for the community and thought it would be a great way to decorate our tree… As you can tell if you stop by the shop, the tree looks amazing,” Nelson said.
Though this was the first year doing the event, it won’t be the last. “With the success of the contest this year, it will definitely be around for years to come.”